Question

Write a definition for woman-centred care and continuity of care.(150 - 200 words)

Answer 1

Woman-centered care focuses on the woman's unique needs, expectations, and aspirations; recognizes her right to self-determination in terms of choice, control, and continuity of care; and addresses her social, emotional, physical, psychological, spiritual and cultural needs and expectations

Within the maternity services this approach was recognised as ‘woman centred’ which refers to the philosophy of care that puts individual women at the centre or heart of the care that is provided, with an expectation that a woman is supported emotionally and practically throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period

Woman-centered care recognizes the woman’s baby or babies, partner, family, and community, and respects cultural and religious diversity as defined by the woman herself. Woman-centered care considers the woman’s individual circumstances and aims to meet the woman’s physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs. This care is built on a reciprocal partnership through effective communication. It enables individual decision-making and self-determination for the woman to care for herself and her family. Woman-centered care respects the woman’s ownership of her health information, rights, and preferences while protecting her dignity and empowering her choices. Woman-centered care is the focus of midwifery practice in all settings